If you have parcels coming in from abroad at the Bhutan Post Office in Thimphu, expect longer periods before getting your hands on the parcel. Delays in the dispatch of international parcels from the post office have led to growing frustration among the people. People say the use of the new Electronic Customs Management System or eCMS has made the parcel dispatch process complicated and lengthy.
The eCMS was introduced by the Department of Revenue and Customs to reduce costs and ensure a smoother and more efficient trade environment.
The new system is currently being implemented across all eight Regional Revenue and Customs Offices to streamline trade at the borders.
However, the people who use the services of the post office to receive parcels from abroad are not happy with the long waiting periods to receive their parcels.
One of the main complaints is the time it takes to collect parcels sent from abroad at the post office. People BBS talked to said that the introduction of the eCMS causes unnecessary delays and confusion when they go to collect the parcels.
The eCMS also requires taxpayer numbers or TPN to process the delivery of parcels. However, individuals without taxpayer numbers say that they are unable to get their parcels.
The Department of Revenue and Customs said that they acknowledged the concerns. The department added that the eCMS is still in its initial stages of implementation and people would require time to get used to the new system.
For those without taxpayer numbers, the department says they can collect their parcels using their citizenship identity number. However, they need to have proof that they are not a registered taxpayer.
Meanwhile, officials from the Bhutan Post Office said, that though the system was introduced with good intentions, the process of dispatching international parcels has been delayed.
Earlier the post office dispatches around 16 international parcels daily. With the introduction of the eCMS, only three to four international parcels are dispatched in a day.
The customs department says that the current issue is temporary and that people will gradually adapt to the new system.
Meanwhile, for those who rely on prompt and hassle-free parcel deliveries, concerns still remain.
Karma Samten Wangda
Edited by Sherub Dorji
